From 2000 to 2005, he was the Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, after which time he returned to become the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, between 2005 and 2009.[1][3] In 2007, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the development and implementation of public policy in Australia, particularly national security and foreign policy, and to international relations through fostering diplomatic, trade and cultural interests including strengthening Australia's relationship with the United Kingdom.[4]

In December 2009 he was appointed as the inaugural Executive Director of the National Security College at the Australian National University.[1][5]

On 29th May 2014,Rio Tinto announced[6] that, as of 1st September 2014, he would join the Rio Tinto board as a non-executive director.[7]